"Roger Federer didn't like" - Rafael Nadal reveals how Swiss refused to learn 'too much information' about the Spaniard

Rafael Nadal retired a year ago in front of a roaring home crowd at the Davis Cup Finals 2024 in Malaga, Spain. To mark the occasion, he sat down with Movistar+ for an interview, during which he provided new insights into his career, as well as updates on his life following his retirement.

When Nadal entered the scene, Pete Sampras' tally of 14 Major titles was still the benchmark for everyone. It was normal to think that the American's record would stand the test at that point. However, Roger Federer was the first to surpass it, followed by Nadal himself, and then Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard stated that the trio constantly pushed each other to be better, and there was no room to let one's guard down even for a moment. However, that's what made them the best in the business.

"We came from Pete Sampras, who had 14 Grand Slams. It is human that some of our generation, when they reached 14, would have thought they had reached the maximum. We, being three, not two, there was never room for relaxation. The demand was maximum.

"We never stop demanding each other. You had no room to throw tournaments. That is the greatness of our time. We were always in the final rounds competing for the biggest tournaments. I don't think just one would have been able to do it," Nadal said.

Tennis styles keep changing every few years. However, Nadal always believed in trusting his instincts. He didn't like to rely on trends, or even stats for that matter. He discussed the same with Federer, who was also averse to an information overload, be it regarding his rivals, including the Spaniard, or any other tidbit.

"I don't think it changed that much. The world evolves and the way of playing is a little different. You hit harder, you serve harder. I still believe in intuition, not playing like a robot trying to guess based on statistics. It's something I talked about with Federer and he didn't like having too much information," Nadal said.

Despite hanging up his racket for good last year, Nadal remains deeply involved in the world of tennis. He spends a considerable amount of time monitoring the progress of his students who train at his academy. He recently indulged in a practice session with Alexandra Eala, who trains at his academy and is one of the brightest prospects on the women's tour.

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Rafael Nadal and Alexandra Eala spar at his Tennis Academy

Rafael Nadal at the America Business Forum 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Rafael Nadal's tennis acumen was on display once again when he took part in a practice session with Alexandra Eala. The Spaniard was a little rusty given his lack of match play since retiring from the sport, and promised to get the better of Eala the next time.

"One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court. It was great to practice with you @alex.eala! Next time I will be stronger," Nadal on Instagram.

Eala graduated from Nadal's Tennis Academy in 2023. She made a breakthrough in 2025, rising from No. 143 to No. 50. She reached her maiden final on the WTA Tour in Eastbourne, and made the semifinals of the Miami Open with wins over Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek.